Fatwire Article Portlet

Replacing animals

We want to see all experiments that cause animals to suffer replaced with humane alternatives.

Useful alternatives approaches

the use of isolated cells and tissues

using computers and mathematics to model biological processes and predict the effects of chemicals and drugs

designing ways of doing experiments safely in human volunteers

using simple organisms, such as bacteria, to study basic biological processes

exploring new advanced technologies such as robotics, molecular techniques, tissue engineering and 'organs-on-microchips'

not doing the experiment at all is one option - we encourage greater consideration of whether animal use could be avoided through more critical ethical review.

Why is it difficult to replace animals?

The potential for replacing animals depends on the nature and aim of each experiment. Human volunteers cannot be used in potentially harmful experiments and isolated cells and tissues may not be able to give a complete picture of what happens in a complicated living system. A better understanding of the scientific barriers to replacement is needed so that research can be directed at overcoming these.

Scientists often have preferred ways of working. Changing their approach requires persuasion, increased communication and training in the use of alternatives.

Developing alternative methods, and showing that they work, takes time and resources.

Many laws and regulations on product safety (from industrial chemicals to medicines) require information from animal tests. Getting these tests replaced takes time, especially when many different countries are involved.

What we are doing

Working closely with Eurogroup for Animals to reduce animal testing requirements in European laws, and to ensure more effort is put into developing legally accepted alternatives.

Providing funding to InterNICHE for their work on identifying and promoting the use of alternatives to animals in education.

Participating in the World Congresses on Alternatives and Animal Use in the Life Sciences.